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Join Lori for a South African Adenture September 18-25, 2022!
South Africa is known for its wildlife and safaris. What most do not know is that South Africa is ranked sixth out of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries, with more than 20,000 different plants, or about 10% of all the known species of plants on Earth.
This is a tremendous opportunity for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. This 7 day 6 night African vacation package features walking safaris through the bush with multiple opportunities to observe the wildlife in the natural habitat. You can also experience sights such as the Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon.
Based on air we have included a pre-night in Johannesburg, South Africa the international airport for the trip
Arrival to Johannesburg and make your way to the airport Intercontinental Hotel where you will stay overnight
Accommodations at the OR Tambo Intercontinental hotel
Check out of the airport hotel and make you way to the domestic terminal for flight to Hoedspruit (HDS) - priced separately
On arrival at Hoedspruit/Phalaborwa Airport, you are met and transferred to Makutsi Safari Springs Main Camp. After a short briefing, you might still have time to enjoy the pool or visit the Hippo Hide. Dinner at Main Camp is served in a traditional open "Lapa".
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Main Camp. In the early afternoon, depart for a 5-hour game drive. Most of the African wildlife can be encountered here, including giraffe, rhino, zebra, lion, elephant, kudu, hippo, leopard...the list goes on. Around sunset, light snacks and drinks will be enjoyed during a short break. After snacks, continue your safari in search of the various nocturnal animals. Take a jacket along as it can get chilly once the sun disappears. Return to Main Camp around 8 pm when dinner will be served.
Enjoy a 3-hour game drive in the early morning. Return to Main Camp for breakfast. Depart Main Camp early in the afternoon on a short game drive that will take you to Makutsi Tented Camp. After settling in, it's time for your first short walking safari before returning to Tented Camp for sunset. Dinner served at Makutsi Tented Camp.
Early in the morning, depart the Tented Camp for a 3-4 hour walking safari. Return to camp for breakfast and spend the day relaxing in camp around the pool or on your private deck overlooking the water hole, enjoying the peace and quiet of the bush. After a late lunch, depart for another 3-4 hour walking safari, and return to camp in time for sunset. Dinner served at Makutsi Tented Camp.
Depart early in the morning for a 3-4 hour walking safari, and return to camp for breakfast. Check out of the Tented Camp late morning for a short game drive on the way back to Main Camp. Spend the afternoon relaxing around the mineral pools or reading a book on your private terrace. Dinner is served at Makutsi Main Camp.
After breakfast, depart at 9 am for a day of sightseeing in the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains and Blyde River Canyon. Several stops are made along the way, including the Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels Viewpoint overlooking the Blyde Dam. Changes to the itinerary can be made subject to weather conditions. A lunch stop will be made (at own expense) before returning to Makutsi around 4 pm. This day offers opportunities to purchase locally made crafts and curios. Dinner served at Makutsi Main Camp.
After breakfast, depart for Hoedspruit/Phalaborwa Airport.
Optional Extension to Victoria Falls, priced at $1450 pp in double $$1895 in single room"
Upon arrival from Hoedspruit in Johannesburg at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, collect your luggage and walk to the City Lodge O.R. Tambo which is conveniently located next to the airport. Check in for 1 night on Bed & Breakfast basis. Dinner is on your own account
Accommodations at City Lodge O.R Tambo
After breakfast, check out and walk to the airport terminal to check in for your flight from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls. Be sure to have your $30.00 in cash to pay for your single entry Zimbabwe visa when you arrive at the Victoria Falls Airport. In Victoria Falls, go through passport control, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Be met at the airport and transferred to the Shongwe Lookout Lodge to check into your Deluxe Rooms for 3 nights. You can order a light lunch at the Lodge (on your own account). In the afternoon, be transferred to the Zambezi River for an unforgettable luxury Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Malachite vessel. Enjoy the abundant wildlife and the beautiful sunset scenes. A three-course meal and drinks are served along the way.
Return to the lodge around 8:30 pm.
Accommodations Shongwe Lookout Lodge
After breakfast, tour the spectacular Victoria Falls. Afterwards, visit the local craft market. Today you will have a Home Hosted Lunch. Join a local family in their home and enjoy some of their local dishes. This is an opportunity to learn more about their culture. Be returned to the lodge for an afternoon at your leisure. At 7:00 pm, be transferred to the Boma for an enjoyable and festive evening with a traditional dinner and live entertainment. Return to the lodge for overnight.
During your time in Victoria Falls, meet with a historian who will tell you the fascinating story of David Livingstone's life.
Accommodations Shongwe Lookout Lodge
Enjoy breakfast at the lodge.
Today is a day at leisure and to enjoy optional activities such as an Elephant Encounter, a Helicopter flight over the Falls, or a full day to Chobe.
Elephant Encounter Be picked up at your hotel at 9:00 AM and transferred to the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary for a fabulous morning.
The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage has been a safe haven to a mirage of orphaned and injured elephants since its conception in 1992. Whilst hand rearing these orphans we have come to understand that the best way to appreciate these magnificent creatures is to watch them living wildly and freely, and The Elephant Encounter will give guests the opportunity to unobtrusively interact with some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine environment overflowing with raw natural beauty.
An open-design thatch Boma gives guests an uninterrupted view of the beautiful Masuwe River, and against this breath-taking back drop, guests will be given an insightful and educational presentation on the sanctuary and the individual elephants, their lifestyle and their future release plans. The sanctuary was founded on the principle of conservation, and one of the most effective ways to evoke a sense of environmental responsibility is to show what stands to be lost. Guests will have an opportunity to talk to guides that have journeyed, physically and metaphorically, incredible distances with these elephant, and learn more about the complexities of the individuals and the herd structures. Guests will learn about the elephant’s history and how they came to be in our care as well as the threats facing elephant populations today, in an interesting and informative talk.
Guests will venture out into the bush to spend time with the elephant and the sight of the gentle grey mammals up close and personal will be imprinted on guests minds long after they have returned home.
Witness the special relationship our staff shares with the elephants and become a part of it. You will have the opportunity to take photographs with the elephants. Marvel at their size and watch them behaving normally; browsing and interacting with one another.
After the encounter with these amazing creatures you will be offered a selection of hot and cold canapés and drinks including local beers, wines, soft drinks, water, coffee & tea. Be transferred back to your hotel.
Accommodations Shongwe Lookout Lodge
Enjoy breakfast, check out and be transferred to the airport to check in for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg, check in for your flight back home, arriving back home the following day.